get saudi tourist visa

The One Stop Guide to the Saudi eVisa for Tourists

I felt so shocked when on September 27, 2019, I heard that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had begun issuing the new Saudi eVisas for tourists, even that applicants are now being granted visas in as little as 5-30 minutes.

At first, I did not believe it. So, I decided to find out all about it. 

So what exactly is the Saudi eVisa? The Saudi eVisa allows nationals from 49 countries, aged 18 + to visit and stay in the kingdom for the purposes of tourism and/or Umrah for Muslims. It is valid either for 1 month (single visa) or up to 3 months (multiple entry) and is not renewable. Application, payment, and issue of the eVisa are done entirely online or with Visa On Arrival at the Saudi (air) port of entry.  

Today, the process of applying and issuing the Saudi eVisa as a tourist to Saudi Arabia is easy and quite straightforward. See below for more details.

However, before making the application, ensure you have all the correct documentation, provide all the information correctly, understand and accept the conditions of the Saudi eVisa .

Failure to do so can mean your application may be rejected and the money you paid for the fees will not be refunded. The correct procedure is explained in more detail below. Read it carefully to avoid costly mistakes.

Non-eligible visitors who are not from any one of the 49 countries can apply for the Saudi Visit Visa (see below) via a local Saudi embassy, consulate or mission. 

Also, Saudi eVisas can be had on arrival at the major Saudi ports (air/sea & land) located at special visa kiosks in the immigration control areas.     

Remember: NO SPONSOR is required for either!

The following is the cost for a Saudi eVisa, Visa on Arrival and an Embassy/ Consulate Visit Visa and is the same for all three . 

See below for more details about how to pay!

Who Is Eligible For The Saudi eVisa ?

Group a- eligible applicants, ( evisa and visa on arrival ).

Group A applicants must be 18 or over and a national of one of the following 49 countries. Also, see Colored Map!

Schengen, USA, and US Visits Visa Holders

However, they must show they have used their Schengen, US or UK V isit Visa to have traveled to and from those countries after it had been issued. To show this, an entry stamp must be shown.

The Saudi eVisa or the Visa On Arrival is valid ONLY if the visitor enters the kingdom using a national carrier, for example, Saudi Airlines, FlyNas, FlyaDeal or Saudi Gul Airlines.

Visas On Arrival can be issued by passport agents or using self-service machines based at the Saudi port. Agents will check eligibility before issuing a Visit visa. Applicants MUST:

• Be passport holder of any of the eligible countries OR
• US or UK or Schengen Visit Visa holder
• Have Valid Visit Visa (Not expired)
• Must be a Tourist or Business Visit Visa
• Must be a Visit Visa that is stamped at Port of Entry to US, UK or Schengen countries
• Must Travel To Saudi Arabia using Saudi national air carrier
• MUST HAVE a Credit Card with the name of The Saudi eVisa Applicant (Cash IS NOT accepted) Airlines will not allow you to fly without showing one

Note : Applicants MUST HAVE a Credit Card. The card must have the same name as the Saudi eVisa applicant. Saudi airlines will not allow you to fly to Saudi Arabia fly without one.

Who Is Eligible For The Saudi Visit Vis a? (Not Saudi eVisa )

Group b -non-eligible applicants, ( consulate visa).

Group B nationals not holding passports for the countries listed above, also including nationals holding a Schengen , US or UK Visit Visa can apply for the Saudi Visit Visa (Not an eVisa ) at their local Saudi embassy, consulate or Saudi mission. A Visit Visa will be granted to applicants on a case by case basis.

The Documents Required To Apply For The Saudi eVisa and Visit Visas .

Group a -eligible applicants (evisas).

• A passport of an eligible country with a minimum of 6 months validity 
• Proof of Age ( ID )
• Passport Photo  ( Must be 200 x 200-pixel photo not exceeding 100 KB ) See below
• Credit Card for Payment
• Accommodation Address ONLY in Saudi Arabia

Refunds are not possible if the Saudi eVisa is rejected. Also, overstayers with a Saudi eVisa will be charged 100 SR per day.

The applicant’s religion is not needed for the eVisa application. The eVisa is issued online in 5 to 30 minutes in most cases and then sent to the applicant via email.

Do I Need to Submit Photos for Saudi Arabia e-visa Application?

Hi! I love traveling and do several trips each year. I understand I have to meet strict visa requirements. Last year, my application was rejected because of an unsuitable photo. So, dissapointing! I don’t want the same to happen to you and that’s why I am sharing the following information . My Biometric Photos shows you EXACTLY how to make photos for the Saudi eVisa. Follow these important steps and your photo for the Saudi eVisa application WON’T ever be rejected. Verona Grajcevci @NextSEO

Group B – Non-Eligible Applicants (Visit Visas)

• A passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
• Proof of ID/Age etc.
• Proof of Home Address/ Accommodation
• Passport Photo  
• Return Ticket 
• Proof of Employment
• Bank Statement (3 months)
• Travel Itinerary

Refunds are not possible if the Saudi Visit Visa is rejected. Also, overstayers on a Visit Visa will be charged a penalty of 100 SR per day.

The applicant’s religion is not needed in the application. The Visit Visa is issued in 1 to 2 business days in most cases and then stamped in the applicant’s passport. 

6 Easy Steps To Apply For The Saudi eVisa

The application process is easy and can be completed in the following way:

• Complete the Application Form
• Pay for the Visa
• Get Your Saudi eVisa Issued

Before making your application take 5 minutes to watch this helpful YouTube video by a Chinese national regarding overcharging Saudi eVisa agencies and learn to avoid the money traps.

The Six Easy Steps

The application process has six main steps. For each step, you have only 10 minutes to fill in the information. If you time out, you can click to continue for a further 10 minutes.

Take care you are using the official government visa website and be sure to enter all your information correctly. The name and details you enter should match exactly the name in your passport. Failure to do so will cause the cancellation of your eVisa and loss of the fee amount.

The steps are outlined in more detail in the following 1-6 steps below.

Personal Information

Begin, Select passport-type then & enter:

• Passport Country
• Secret Question/Answer
• Contact Info
• Marital Status
• Nationality
• Country of Birth
• Country of Residence

Upload passport photo  (Must be 200×200 pixel photo not exceeding 100 KB). Then , select the uploaded passport photo and file name.

Passport Information

Type and Enter : 

• Passport Type
• Passport Number
• Expiration Date
• Address in Saudi Arabia (Only where you will stay and NOT the Booking Information/Confirmation etc.)

Medical/Health Insurance

Choose your medical insurance

Terms and Conditions 

Read and agree to the terms and conditions. 

Application Review

Check and review your application. This is Important ALL details are correct.

Type in credit card details and pay the fee. 

Payment and eVisa Conditions

Saudi eVisa -The Cost 

Saudi evisa -the validity.

All three types of Saudi tourist visas ( Visit, & single/multiple entry Saudi eVisa ) are valid for use for 1 year AFTER the date of issue.

However, a single entry Saudi eVisa allows applicants to stay in the kingdom for up to 1 month only and must be used within 1 year of issue.

A multiple entry Saudi eVisa allows you to arrive, leave and return to Saudi Arabia ( unless stated otherwise ) but it is valid and can only be used for up to 3 months AFTER the first date of entry. This too and must be used within 1 year of issue.

For multiple entry eVisa only, you can leave and reenter Saudi Arabia as many times as you wish during those valid three months.

Renewals : All three Saudi Visit visas cannot be renewed. 

Airport Visa Eligibility Precheck  

At the airport before boarding your flight to Saudi Arabia, the airlines at check-in will conduct a precheck for visa eligibility before they accept your luggage. 

The Saudi eVisa will enable you to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at ALL major ports of entry using any of the Saudi Arabian national air carriers for example, Saudi Airlines, FlyNas, FlyaDeal or Saudi Gul Airlines.

Applicants Who Are Under The Age of 18 

Applicants under the age of 18 ( Minors ) CANNOT use the Saudi eVisa service, nor apply for Visa on Arrival or for a Visit Visa via the Saudi consulate.  

A representative person can apply on behalf of a Minor as a Guardian , but MUST have the authority to do so and MUST agree to the Saudi eVisa Terms and Conditions on behalf of the applicant Minor .

Overstaying 

Saudi eVisa or Visit Visa holders will be charged a penalty of 100 SR per day for each day beyond the expiration date of the visa for the days he/she remains in the kingdom. 

Special Information and Conditions

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ( KSA ) provides the electronic Saudi eVisa to visit the kingdom on a short term basis. It is designed to speed up the process of obtaining a visit visa to the kingdom and is operated by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage ( SCTH ).

Saudi eVisa Applicants Must:

• Provide a valid email address
• Obey Saudi Laws and Ensure the Welfare and Security of the Kingdom
• Not contravene Sharia law, national security nor violate prevailing moral principles 
• Enter the Saudi port using the same passport as used in the Saudi eVisa application
• Carry a hard copy (paper copy) and soft copy of the Saudi eVisa upon arrival at the Saudi port of entry
• Submit to biometric identification by immigration authorities at the port of entry
• Not use the Saudi eVisa to perform Umrah, Hajj, paid work or business. 
• Have funds to support themselves during their stay in the kingdom
• Agree that they are subject to local Saudi laws at the port of entry
•  Agree that SCTH can suspend the application or terminate the Saudi eVisa if an applicant fails to pay the eVisa fee, gives false/wrong information in the original application or fails to abide by the terms and conditions as set out in the  Saudi eVisa contract. 

Related Questions

Can I use the Saudi eVisa for other than tourism? Yes! However, most of the eligible 49 countries cannot because they are non-Muslim countries barring Brunei, Malaysia and Kazakhstan. The Saudi eVisa must be used only for tourist purposes for non-Muslims. Muslims CAN do Umrah but not Hajj, work or conduct business. These other three are NOT permitted under the Saudi eVisa terms and conditions.

What will happen if I break the Saudi eVisa terms and conditions? Contravening the Saudi eVisa terms and conditions can lead to cancellation of the eVisa, fines, possible arrest, and/or imprisonment for violations of a more serious nature.  Please remain alert at all times and commit to following Saudi laws, rules, and regulations.

Will more countries get added to the list of 49 currently eligible countries? People in Muslim countries feel upset because their country does not appear on the list of 51 countries eligible for the Saudi eVisa Inshallah! In the future, more and more countries will be added.

Salam Allekum! Hi there! Thanks for reading. Contact the Editor Mohammed Francis directly at [email protected] with any questions or queries.

Mohammed Francis

I am a UK national, a college teacher, father of 3, writer and blogger.

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How to Apply for a Saudi Tourist Visa

Last Updated: September 28, 2020 References

This article was co-authored by Jennifer Mueller, JD . Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 2,271 times.

In 2019, Saudi Arabia started issuing tourist visas for the first time. If you've always wanted to visit the kingdom, this could be your chance! A tourist visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 consecutive days and is valid for multiple entries over the course of a year. While in Saudi Arabia, respect the country's laws and customs or your visa might be revoked. This includes following the country's dress code while in public places (no shorts or revealing attire). [1] X Research source

• If your country is not listed, that doesn't mean you can't visit Saudi Arabia. It simply means you'll have to get a consulate visa through the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.

• On the initial account page, provide your name, mobile phone number, and email. Use the first and last name that matches the name listed on your passport, not a nickname.
• When you create your account, you'll get an email with a link that you'll have to click to activate your account so you can complete the application.

• You'll also be asked to provide information about your employment and marital status.
• In the section for your passport information, include your passport number, the type of passport you have, the date it was issued, and the date it expires.

• Your photo needs to show your whole face looking directly at the camera and must be in front of a white background. Choose a recent photo that was taken within the last 6 months. Don't use your passport photo. [6] X Research source

• The arrival and departure dates don't have to be exact, they just need to be within the next year, since that's how long your visa will be valid.
• You don't have to book accommodations before you apply for your eVisa (although it's fine if you have). If you haven't made reservations yet, simply include information for the hotel you're planning on staying at.

• Even if you have other health insurance or travel insurance that would cover you during your trip, you still have to buy Saudi insurance.

• All drugs, alcohol, and other intoxicating substances are prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Smuggling drugs into the country is a crime punishable by death. [10] X Research source
• You can get fined for simple acts that you wouldn't consider a big deal, such as playing loud music or wearing pajamas in public. [11] X Research source If you violate these rules, you risk having your visa revoked and being asked to leave the country immediately.
• Dress modestly in public places, particularly if you present as female. While female tourists aren't required to wear an abaya (a long, black robe), you might feel more comfortable doing so, especially in more rural areas. [12] X Research source

• Print the receipt and save it for your records.

• Print your eVisa email and keep it with your passport. When you get to the country, the visa will be added to your passport.

Visa on Arrival

• Make sure your passport will be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival and that it has at least 2 blank pages.
• If you're eligible for an eVisa, it's usually a better idea to get one of those than to wait and get a visa on arrival. You'll save yourself a lot of time and hassle.
• If you're planning on applying for a visa on arrival at a port of entry, make sure you have an international credit card with you that you can use to pay the visa fee. [17] X Research source

• You don't have to enter the country by air. You can also travel to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahad Causeway or the Al Bathaa Land Port.

• There may also be self-service kiosks that you can use to enter your information electronically. [20] X Research source

• If you aren't eligible to apply for an eVisa, be prepared to show a bank statement and proof of employment.

• As of 2020, visa fees are SAR 300, plus SAR 140 for health insurance. The total is equal to around US $123.

Consulate Visa

• Set up an Enjaz account with a valid email address. Almost immediately after you set up your account, you'll get an email asking you to verify your email address. Once you've verified your email address, you can start the visa application process.

• Make sure your answers on both the digital form and the paper form are exactly the same. Your application will be rejected if they differ in any way.

• In your photo, you must look directly at the camera so that your entire face is visible. Saudi Arabia only accepts photos taken in front of a white background. [27] X Research source

• Print the receipt for your visa payment and include it with the application documents you send to the visa office.

• A passport with at least 6 months of validity
• Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia
• A roundtrip ticket and travel itinerary
• Proof of employment
• A bank statement or proof of financial solvency

• Write down your tracking numbers and keep them in a safe place so you can follow your documents as they go to the visa office and as they are returned to you.
• You can also submit your application through a travel agency approved by the Saudi government. Just keep in mind that they'll charge a fee for their services and there's no guarantee that your visa will be issued. [32] X Research source

• You can check the status of your application through your Enjaz account.
• You might get called in for an interview. If you're contacted by the visa office, schedule your interview at the earliest possible date to avoid delays. Usually, they just want to ask you questions about your planned trip or verify your documents. They might ask you to bring additional documents or information with you to the interview. [35] X Research source
• If your application is denied, the embassy or consulate won't give you a reason why. However, you're welcome to reapply. You'll have to pay the application fee again, though. No portion of it is refunded if your application is denied.

Expert Q&A

• Travel agencies will help you get a Saudi tourist visa — for a fee. If you are a national of one of the 49 eligible countries, you can easily get your own visa through the official site without having to pay any additional fees. [36] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Keep your travel documents with you the entire time you're in Saudi Arabia. If you lose your passport, call your country's nearest embassy or consulate immediately. [37] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• As of September 1, 2020, the Saudi government has suspended the issuance of tourist visas due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International air traffic in and out of the country is also suspended. [38] X Research source If you've already been issued a tourist visa, this period doesn't count toward the duration of your visa. [39] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you're a Muslim who wants to visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, you need a special visa and must make plans through a Saudi government-approved travel agent. [40] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't travel to Saudi Arabia without booking accommodations and making transportation arrangements in advance. [41] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://onemileatatime.com/saudi-arabia-evisa-application/
• ↑ https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
• ↑ https://www.saudiembassy.net/guideline-accepted-photographs-saudi-visas
• ↑ https://cdn-visa.visitsaudi.com/downloads/VIOLATIONSTOPUBLICDECENCYANDPENALTIES.pdf
• ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/female-solo-traveler-went-to-saudi-arabia-heres-what-i-saw
• ↑ https://gulfnews.com/how-to/getting-a-saudi-tourist-visa-is-it-really-that-complicated-1.1570627509990
• ↑ https://www.saudia.com/before-flying/travel-information/hajj-and-umrah/tourist-visa
• ↑ https://www.saudiembassy.net/tourist-visa
• ↑ https://www.saudiembassy.net/enjaz-guidelines
• ↑ https://www.saudiembassy.net/visa-offices
• ↑ https://www.saudiembassy.net/visa-types
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/hajj-umrah.html
• ↑ https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia/entry-requirements

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The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

Tourist Visa

For more information about the Tourist Visa and how to apply, please, Visit Saudi  website.

The only verifiable source for the tourist visa is the link provided on the Embassy’s website. Please do not use outside links as they cannot be verified and will not be accepted.

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Saudi Arabia tourist visa: How to get yours

Here's what you need to know when you apply for a visa

Also in this package

• History in the making: Find out which countries are eligible for a Saudi visa waiver
• Saudi Arabia drops dress code for foreign women in tourism push

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has now made available tourist visas for citizens from up to 49 countries.

For the first time, tourists can now apply for a visa through Saudi embassies and consulates across the world.

Here’s a guide to getting there, what to expect, and important points to keep in mind.

(Saudi Arabia’s national currency is the Saudi riyal. Each riyal is equal to 100 halala.)

Who can apply for the Saudi visa?

Citizens from the following 49 countries will be eligible to apply for e-visas and visas on arrival:

New Zealand

South Korea

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

Switzerland

China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan

How can you apply for the visa?

Go to visitsaudi.com to apply for an e-visa; alternatively, contact your nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.

What documents do you need?

For E-Visa and Visa on Arrival

• Passport, with a validity for more than 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia
• Address of accommodation
• Hard copy of the visa, although a soft copy is advised

For Consulate-approved visa

• Proof of accommodation
• Return ticket
• Proof of employment
• Bank statement
• Supporting information includes: ID, home address, travel itinerary

Processing time

E-visa: Time taken to issue an e-visa is 5-30 minutes in most cases.

At a Consulate: 1-2 business days in most cases.

How long is the visa valid for?

The visa is valid for one year with multiple entries, during which you can stay for up to three months per entry.

A single entry visa allows you to stay for one month in Saudi Arabia.

What happens if you overstay?

Overstay fees is SAR 100 for each day of overstay.

How much do you need to pay?

The cost of applying for an e-visa or a visa on arrival is 440 riyals (around $117) plus VAT.

Getting there

There are 13 international airports and 15 domestic airports in the Kingdom. The international airports are:

1. King Khalid International Airport (RUH) – Riyadh

2. King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – Jeddah

3. King Fahd International Airport (DMM) – Dammam

4. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) – Madinah

5. Taif International Airport (TIF) – Taif

6. Abha International Airport (AHB) – Abha

7. Hail International Airport (HAS) – Ha’il

8. King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz InternationalAirport (GIZ) – Gazan

9. Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) – Qassim

10. Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (TUU) – Tabuk

11. Prince Abdulmohsin Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (YNB) –Yanbu

12. Al-Jouf International Airport (AJF) – Jouf

13. Al-Ahsa International Airport (HOF) – Al Ahsa

Important numbers

Police: 999

Saudi Ambulance: 997

Civil Defense: 998

For traffic accidents: 993

Highway Patrol: 996

Border Guard: 994

Tourism Call Center: 19988

Tourism International Call Center: 00966112614750

Najm Company: 920000560

Passports: 992

Saudi Public Security: 989

General enquiries: 905

Emergency medical consultation: 937

Municipalities: 940

Ministry of Transport emergency: 938

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Matador Original Series

How to Get a Visa to Visit Saudi Arabia and What to Do Once You Get There

I n 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially opened its doors to international travelers, issuing tourist visas for the first time in history. Previously, only those traveling to Saudi Arabia for work or Muslim pilgrims were permitted to enter the country. Today, citizens of 57 nations, including the United States, can obtain an eVisa to travel to Saudi Arabia — and the application process is simple, fast, and relatively cheap.

Do US citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?

How to get an evisa for saudi arabia, can you get a visa on arrival in saudi arabia, saudi arabia visa fees, transit visa for saudi arabia, i’m not a citizen of any of the 57 nations that can obtain an evisa, can i still visit saudi arabia, can tourists in saudi arabia visit mecca and medina, the best places to see in saudi arabia.

US citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. They can choose between applying for an eVisa online or obtaining a visa on arrival.

To qualify for an eVisa or a visa on arrival to Saudi Arabia, US citizens must be at east 18 years of age (or accompanied by a relative who is over 18 years old), and have a valid passport. Citizens of other nations may have different requirements, however.

If you meet the requirements for an eVisa (for US citizens, they are: Being at least 18 years old or accompanied by a relative who’s over the age of 18, and having a valid passport), you can apply for an eVisa for Saudi Arabia online at Visit Saudi . Completing the application only takes a few minutes. Standard eVisa processing is about 72 hours, but can take longer.

Once you have obtained an eVisa for Saudi Arabia, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days. The visa remains valid for one year from its issue date and allows for multiple entries.

Saudi Arabia’s eVisa program is for tourists and Muslim pilgrims only, not for those who wish to work or study in Saudi Arabia.

US citizens can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia if they meet the necessary requirement: Being at least 18 years old or accompanied by a relative who’s over the age of 18, and having a valid passport.

Applying for a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia is very simple: Upon their arrival at the airport, travelers can use the self-service machine or talk to a border agent. The process takes between 10 and 30 minutes.

Once you have obtained a visa on arrival for Saudi Arabia, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days. The visa remains valid for one year from its date of issuance.

Saudi Arabia’s visa on arrival program, like the eVisa program, is for tourists and Muslim pilgrims only, not for those who wish to work or study in Saudi Arabia.

Applying for an eVisa for Saudi Arabia costs $142 (SAR 535) and includes the application fee and the mandatory medical insurance fee.

Applying for a visa on arrival costs $80 (SAR 300), but you need to add a mandatory $48 (SAR 180) medical insurance fee, making for a total of $128 (480 SAR).

Saudi Arabia offers transit/stopover visas for those who are only passing through the country. The application for a transit/stopover visa takes around three minutes and the visa is issued instantly. Transit/stopover visas for Saudi Arabia are valid for 96 hours from the time of arrival into the country. Transit/stopover visas are free but administrative fees incur and there is a mandatory medical insurance fee to pay.

Airlines Saudia and Flynas offer deals for travelers who are only passing through. You may get a free transit/stopover visa and even a free one-night hotel stay. Check out the offers on the Visit Saudi website .

It’s possible for nationals from outside the 57 eVisa eligible countries to get a tourist visa , though they’ll need to apply in person at a Saudi embassy or consulate and provide additional information. Visit the Saudi Visit website and select your country of citizenship in the drop-down menu to obtain all the necessary information about how to get a visa to visit Saudi Arabia.

No matter their country of origin, non-Muslim travelers are still prohibited from entering Mecca and Medina. Although the two holiest cities in Islam are off limits to non-pilgrims, know that there is a lot more for travelers to see in Saudi Arabia.

Mada’in Saleh (also known as Hegra or the Hegra Archaeological Site), AlUla

@matadornetwork #Hegra is Saudi Arabia's first #UNESCOWorldHeritage site IG: @thelosttwo & @Adrian Baias #ancientruins #travelsaudiarabia #bridgertonscandal ♬ original sound – ℎ

Often referred to as the “Petra of Saudi Arabia,” Mada’in Saleh is a 2,000-year-old site comprised of monuments carved in sandstone rocks, including 110 tombs, many of which are intricately decorated. This archaeological wonder and desert city became the first ever Saudi UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008.

Mada’in Saleh is located less than 40 minutes away from the city of AlUla , where outdoor adventures , including stargazing , are second to none.

The Sky Bridge at Kingdom Centre Tower, Riyadh

Photo: Fedor Selivanov /Shutterstock

If there is one building that distinguishes Riyadh’s skylines from that of other cities around the world, it’s the Kingdom Center Tower — the one with the semi-circle-shaped hole near the top. The Sky Bridge, open Saturday until Thursday from 12 PM to 10:30 PM and Friday from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM, is the tippy-top of the tower. For about $18 (SAR 69), you’ll speed up two elevators to the top of Riyadh’s most famous landmark. (Children under the age of 10 pay $6, and children under the age of two enter for free.) For the best views of the entire city, go a little before sunset to catch daytime colors and night lights. The first three floors of the building consist of a shopping mall, while the 77th floor is home to the King Abdullah Mosque, the highest mosque in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ahsa Oasis, Eastern Province

The Al-Ahsa Oasis is the largest desert oasis in the world thanks to its 2.5 millions date palms. But the grounds of this UNESCO World Heritage site includes more than just crops. There are archaeological sites, old fortresses, canals, mosques, and other traces of human settlements that date back as far as the Neolithic period. The diversity of rock formations and water systems is complemented by the ancient sea port of Al-Uqair, and the breathtaking Al-Shu’ba Mountain.

The Saudi National Museum, Riyadh

The most renowned museum in the Kingdom, the Saudi National Museum is ideal for a rainy day or anytime you are looking to escape the dry heat if you’re visiting outside of winter. Displays and installations in all eight galleries incorporate the latest technology, and all descriptions are presented in both Arabic and English. Exhibitions focus on the history of the nation with the pre-Islamic era, the Hajj, the Two Holy Mosques, the Unification of Saudi Arabia, etc. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better collection of Saudi artifacts anywhere else.

The museum is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 9 AM to 8 PM, and on Thursday and Friday from 2 PM to 10 PM.

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (also known as Ithra), Dharan

Located next to the larger city of Dammam, Dharan accommodates a world-class center of culture. Saudi Aramco, the country’s massive oil company, runs the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), which comprises a library of over 325,000 books, an auditorium, a museum, a children’s museum, a movie theater, restaurants, cafés, and more. The center, whose architecture is striking, was designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta.

Ithra is open from Thursday to Saturday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Wahba Crater, Medina Province

Photo: Ajmal Thaha /Shutterstock

Wahba Crater is a volcanic crater of 10,000 feet in diameter and 1,250 feet in depth. Contrary to the surrounding desert landscape, the volcanic crater’s rim is home to shrubbery and other plants during the rainy season. And in the summer, the water that fills the crater evaporates to give way to a salt field. Wahba Crater is an incredibly unique site to visit and hike around, especially with the recent construction of roads and access points. Despite these recent developments, ensure that you take proper gear like extra water, hiking boots, and sun protection to withstand the elements. There is a visitor center nearby.

Scuba diving the Red Sea, Jeddah

Saudi Arabia has the longest coastline of the Red Sea and is famous for its colorful coral reefs, World War II shipwrecks, and biodiversity. Although year-round diving is possible, the best time of year to go is November to January when visibility is better and there’s an increased likelihood of seeing sharks and dolphins. Many scuba agencies and dive shops offer certification and tours with tons based out of Jeddah.

Al-Tayebat International City, Jeddah

Photo: Rahul D Silva /Shutterstock

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Middle East latest: Israel 'considered revenge attack on Monday' – as ex-Mossad intelligence chief says striking Iran's nuclear facilities 'on the table'

A former Israeli spy agency official says targeting nuclear facilities in Iran is "on the table" - as a report suggests Israel considered, but decided against striking Iran on Monday. Meanwhile, Iran's president warns the "tiniest move" against the country would bring a "fierce" response.

Wednesday 17 April 2024 21:09, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Striking Iran's nuclear facilities on the table, says ex-Mossad official
• Israel considered Iran strike on Monday but decided to wait - report
• 'Tiniest move' against Iran will spark 'fierce and painful' response, president warns
• Israel denied 'more than 40%' of UN aid delivery requests to northern Gaza last week
• Single Israeli shell destroyed more than 4,000 embryos after strike on fertility clinic
• Dominic Waghorn analysis: The coming hours could decide whether the Middle East is plunged into a widening war
• Michael Clarke analysis: All Israel's options for retaliation come with complications
• Live reporting by Ollie Cooper

Iran is currently holding its National Army Day parade ceremony in Tehran. 

Drones and missiles were paraded as soldiers marched alongside them, some carrying the Iranian flag. 

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other top military officials are also in attendance. 

The annual event was established by the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979. 

An update on our 12.40pm post - in which we reported that strikes from Lebanon had injured people in northern Israel.

The Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group has since claimed responsibility, saying it launched missiles and drones at a military facility in northern Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes that killed Hezbollah members yesterday. 

At least 14 Israeli soldiers were injured in today's attack, with six in serious condition, according to the Israel Defence Forces. 

The Israeli Ynet news site said the soldiers were in a community centre in the village. 

The IDF in retaliation said it "struck the sources of fire" after identifying several anti-tank missile and drone launches from Lebanon towards the Bedouin village of Arab al Aramshe. 

For context: Iran-backed, Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which means "Party of God" in Arabic, openly calls for the destruction of the "Zionist regime in Palestine" and is deemed a terror organisation by most Western powers.

The militia has long aligned itself with Hamas and Islamic Jihad and has frequently clashed with IDF forces on the Israel-Lebanon border since the most recent conflict broke out on 7 October.

But the violence has largely been contained to areas at the border, shaped by what observers have called unwritten rules of engagement between adversaries that have long threatened each other with catastrophic damage in the event of war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously warned that Beirut would be turned "into Gaza" if Hezbollah started an all-out war.

By Ben van der Merwe and Saywah Mahmood, Data and Forensics Unit

Iran's president has vowed Israel would face a "massive and harsh response" if it attacks, as US officials believe it is planning to do.

Iran launched more than 330 missiles and drones towards Israel on Saturday in response to Israel's alleged bombing of its Syrian consulate.

On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron said he hoped that Israel's potential retaliation "does as little as possible to escalate this conflict".

Experts told Sky News that Israel is likely to be considering an airstrike on critical Iranian infrastructure, including air bases and nuclear facilities.

Israel is well-equipped for such an operation. The country possesses 39 state-of-the-art F-35 stealth fighter jets, the fifth largest inventory in the world.

Sky News security and defence analyst Michael Clarke says the planes are "pretty well invisible".

"It is rumoured that Israeli F-35s have already been around and about Iranian airspace on surveillance missions," he says.

Read more here ...

The chancellor has said that the G7 will be "united" in its response to Tehran, amid reports that the West is weighing up major sanctions on Iran. 

"When Iran attacked Israel, Western support was rock solid," Jeremy Hunt told our economics and data editor Ed Conway . 

"If Iran takes action that destabilises the global economy through what it does in the Middle East, then they will face concerted response from Western countries," he warned. 

"I think G7 countries will be united in our response to what Iran has done and anything Iran may plan to do."

Earlier, Israel's ambassador to the UK urged the West to hit Tehran financially so its grasp on the region via its proxies might slip. 

"This is the time to be hard on Iran [and] there are a number of diplomatic ways to do that." Tzipi Hotovely said (see 7.00pm post). 

Israel considered a near-immediate response to Saturday's attack by Iran, but decided against it, according to a report.

Israel considered conducting retaliatory action on Monday night, before eventually postponing it, five Israeli and US sources told Axios .

The report is unverified. 

The Israeli officials reportedly told the outlet that the war cabinet changed its mind on military action "for operational reasons", while American sources said the US was not sure of the scale of Israel's planned response, but thought it was likely it would provoke Iran into escalation. 

The officials reportedly said IDF chief of staff General Hertzi Halevi and the the cabinet's other former generals — defence minister Yoav Gallant and ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot were pushing  hardest for a military for a response, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the leader of the ultra-orthodox Shas party, Aryeh Deri, were said to be "more cautious".

Qatar is re-assessing its role as mediator between Israel and Hamas, the country's prime minister has said. 

Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said its role was being misused by some politicians for their own goals. 

"Qatar is in the process of a complete re-evaluation of its role because there has been damage to Qatar," he said, without providing any further detail.  

The Gulf state has been a key figure in discussions between the two warring sides, alongside voices from Egypt and the US. 

The country is home to some senior Hamas officials, including Ismail Haniyeh. 

The time has come for the West to sanction Iran, Israel's ambassador to the UK has said. 

After Iran "tried to kill thousands of Israelis" with its drone and missile assault at the weekend, Tzipi Hotovely told Sky's lead world news presenter Yalda Hakim in Jerusalem that a "watershed moment for the Middle East" had arrived. 

"I live in London, could you imagine [if an Iranian attack hit there]?" she said. 

Watch a clip from her interview here...

She described Iran as "an octopus", which was spreading itself across the Middle East via its proxies. 

"It's so clear that Israel needs to show an act of deterrence," she said. 

"I think [what comes] next is sanctions," she added. 

"This is the time to be hard on Iran [and] there are a number of diplomatic ways to do that."

It has been suggested that hitting Iran financially could help drain some of its proxy groups of their power base. 

Iran has backed, funded, and trained several groups across the Middle East region, including Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and a number of other factions based in Syria and Iraq.

On how Israel could respond militarily, Ms Hotovely said "it's for the war cabinet to decide".

Ms Hotovely previously made headlines back in December when she told Sky News that Israel would not recognise a two-state solution.

Israel has blocked crucial items of aid on insufficient security grounds, the head of a charity trying to get equipment into Gaza has said. 

Melanie Ward, CEO of Medical Aid for Palestinians, told Sky News that Israel had rejected blankets based on the fact that they were green, among other refusals. 

"I saw for myself a number of the items that have been rejected by the Israeli military supposedly on security grounds, that included a large box of crutches... an anaesthetic machine, I saw an X-ray machine rejected," she said. 

"I saw first aid kits, bleach, a wheelchair, all these kinds of items.

"There's no excuse for rejecting these.

"This is the kind of situation that we are trying to deliver aid in."

Turning to the UNRWA - the UN's Palestinian Agency, Ms Ward urged the UK to resume its funding. 

Major countries, including the US and UK, halted funding the agency after Israeli accusations that some of its staff took part in the 7 October attack by Hamas militants.

Israel released a dossier that it claimed supported the claims, but Sky News' and other news outlets who viewed the document said it did not provide evidence for the allegations.

Australia, Sweden, the European Commission, Finland, France and Canada have all resumed funding for UNRWA, and Ms Ward said the UK should follow.

"UNRWA is desperately needed... without it tens of thousands more Palestinians in Gaza will needlessly die," she said. 

This sentiment has been echoed by major humanitarian agencies, including CARE International, which said the UK "is withholding funding to enable one of the most vital lifelines to ensure food, water and medical supplies can reach civilians across Gaza". 

"Famine is already present in Gaza and with each day of delay conditions for vulnerable groups, including women and girls deteriorate further," CARE's UK head of advocacy and policy, Dorothy Sang, said. 

"It is deeply concerning that the UK government is choosing delay over getting aid to those in dire need."

It follows a similar call earlier today from shadow foreign secretary David Lammy (see 13.10 post), who said: "It's shocking in the face of famine that the UK is one of the last major donors that has not yet resumed funding, without explanation."

It's 6pm here in London - 7pm in Gaza and Israel and 8pm in Tehran, so let's re-cap the day's events. 

Much of the day's focus has been on how Israel could respond to Iran's missile and drone barrage at the weekend:

• The former director of intelligence at the Israeli spy agency, Mossad, said targeting nuclear facilities in Iran was among the options on the table as Israel decides how to respond to Saturday's attack;
• Lord Cameron said during a visit to Israel it was "clear" that Benjamin Netanyahu's government will respond. 
• Meanwhile, Iran's president warned the "tiniest move" against the country would bring a "fierce" response, according to state media;
• On aid for Gaza, the UN said Israel denied "more than 40%" of its aid delivery requests to northern parts of the enclave last week;
• It emerged that a single Israeli shell destroyed more than 4,000 embryos when it struck Gaza's largest fertility clinic in December.

The cabinet has approved a five-year plan that would see $5bn spent on rebuilding and strengthening communities near Israel's border with Gaza. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would invest the funds in housing, infrastructure, education, employment, health and other areas.

The funding came after the Hamas attacks on 7 October targeted communities near the border. 

"Hamas terrorists wanted to uproot us - but we will uproot them and deepen our roots," Mr Netanyahu said in a statement. 

"We will build the land of Israel and protect our country."

The prime minister's office said local communities would work with government ministries, and along with the business sector and philanthropy, to bring the region to be a "vital, flourishing and attractive area".

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